Chelsea sign French defender Maxence Lacroix for €60‑61 million

Chelsea have completed the signing of 26‑year‑old French centre‑back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The transfer fee is reported at around €60‑61 million and the player has agreed to a six‑year contract running to 2032. Lacroix, who helped Palace win the FA Cup, Conference League and Community Shield, expressed excitement about joining the Blues and praised the club’s ambition under manager Xabi Alonso. Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill called the signing "a great player and a smart signing" that could help the team reach the next level. The deal is one of the most expensive for a French defender and forms part of Chelsea’s broader summer overhaul aimed at strengthening the squad for the upcoming Premier League campaign.